Trevecca basketball coach Sam Harris will sit out season opener due to NCAA violation

Trevecca Nazarene men's basketball coach Sam Harris will sit out the Trojans' season-opening game Saturday after the university self-reported an unspecified rules violation.

"We take NCAA compliance seriously and once we were made aware of potential violations, we self-reported the infractions,” said Trevecca athletics director Mark Elliott. “The infractions were administrative in nature and considered secondary, level three violations, but it is important to report and respond."

After learning of the possible violation, Trevecca administrators investigated the matter. Once the violation was confirmed, administrators self-reported to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and the NCAA.

Trevecca then submitted its suggested sanctions to both the conference and national compliance offices.

NCAA and Great Midwest officials confirmed the sanctions were appropriate and stipulated "no further action was needed."

Along with sitting out Saturday’s 3:15 p.m. homecoming game against Mount Vernon Nazarene, the sanctions include Harris sitting out one practice.

Assistants Ryan Sharpe and Mike Petrone will fill in for Harris on Saturday.

Harris, who is in his 25th season at Trevecca, will coach in the Trojans' exhibition game Thursday night when Belmont visits.

After sitting out Saturday, Harris will return for a Nov. 10 exhibition against Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro.